Location: Preston VIC
Employment Type: Full-Time
Working Arrangement: Hybrid
Organisation: Victorian Aboriginal Legal Service (VALS)
Salary: $87,305.40 - $93,305.40 + Super + Salary Packaging
About VALS
The Victorian Aboriginal Legal Service (VALS) is an Aboriginal Community Controlled Organisation (ACCO) and the state's only specialist legal and support service dedicated to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. Established in 1973, VALS provides culturally safe legal advice and representation across criminal, family, civil and human rights law, youth justice and specialist litigation.
About the Role
The Lawyer role sits within VALS' Wirraway Police and Prison Accountability Practice. You will work with clients impacted by police and prison harms, including unlawful detention, excessive force, mistreatment in custody and deaths in custody. This role offers a unique opportunity to:
- Represent clients in coronial inquests, civil claims and complaints processes
- Advocate for truth, accountability and systemic change
- Work alongside dedicated legal and community teams
- Contribute to strategic litigation and law reform
If you are passionate about justice, human rights and real-world impact, this role will allow you to apply your skills with purpose.
What You'll Do
- Provide high-quality, trauma-informed legal advice and representation in matters including:
- Coronial investigations and inquests
- Civil litigation involving government agencies
- Strategic police accountability work
- Complaints regarding police or prison conduct
- Build respectful relationships with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander clients, families and communities.
- Work collaboratively with the Policy, Communications and Strategy team on law reform and systemic advocacy.
- Deliver community legal education and contribute to organisational training and capability building.
- Strengthen networks with legal and community services, Courts, government agencies and sector partners.
Some travel within Victoria may be required.
About You
- Understanding of the justice issues impacting Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities, including systemic racism and criminalisation
- Experience working respectfully with people experiencing trauma or high-stress situations
- Demonstrated advocacy and legal practice experience, including court or tribunal appearances
- Strong communication and relationship-building skills
- A commitment to culturally safe and ethical legal practice
What We Offer
- 17.5% Leave Loading
- 5 additional days of annual leave on top of the standard 20 days
- Generous salary packaging up to $15,900 via Maxxia
- Opportunity to work alongside a passionate, culturally committed team
- Ongoing professional development and training opportunities
- A supportive, inclusive, and culturally safe workplace environment